Who says cookies can’t be part of a healthy breakfast? I mean, if it’s got oats, fruits, and a sprinkle of nuts, it’s practically a salad, right? These breakfast cookies are not only delicious but also pack a nutritious punch to kickstart your day.
Benefits Of Breakfast Cookies
Breakfast cookies offer lots of perks. They’re quick to make and tasty. Who doesn’t love a good cookie in the morning?
Nutritional Value
Breakfast cookies pack a nutritional punch. Many recipes mix in oats, fruits, and nuts. Oats add fiber, which helps with digestion. Fiber keeps me feeling full. Bananas boost potassium and sweetness. Nuts and seeds contribute healthy fats and proteins. Together, these ingredients turn a cookie into a hearty meal.
Ingredients For Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Breakfast cookies can pack a powerful punch! These tasty bites are made with wholesome ingredients that kick-start my day the right way. Here’s what I use to whip up these delightful treats.
Base Ingredients
- Rolled Oats: I prefer old-fashioned or whole rolled oats. They give the cookies a nice chewy texture. If gluten is a no-go, gluten-free oats work just as well.
- Peanut Butter or Other Nut Butters: Peanut butter is my go-to, but almond butter or sunflower seed butter can play too. If I choose natural peanut butter, sometimes I toss in a bit more banana or oats to keep the texture just right.
- Bananas: Mashed ripe bananas add sweetness and moistness. An overripe banana works best for a sugary boost.
- Sweetener: I like to keep it natural. Pure maple syrup, honey, or unsweetened applesauce add a touch of sweetness without the refined stuff.
- Spices: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt can turn bland into grand. They really elevate the flavor.
- Cashews: Chopped cashews can join the mix for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates offer chewy sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips: A few dark chocolate chips never hurt the situation. They add a divine touch and make the cookies feel indulgent.
- Seeds: Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds lend a crunched-up texture and extra nutrients.
- Protein Powder: A scoop ups the protein content, perfect for a post-workout snack, too.
- Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a tropical twist.
These ingredients make my breakfast cookies not just delicious but also nutritious. Who knew I could grab a cookie for breakfast without a hint of guilt?
Step-By-Step Recipe
Making breakfast cookies is simple and fun. Let’s jump into the specifics!
Preparation Time
Preparation takes about 10 minutes. It’s just enough time to throw on your favorite playlist. If you’ve got some ripe bananas, they’ll slip right into the mix!
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix mashed bananas, applesauce, and honey in a large bowl. Keep stirring until it’s smooth.
- Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Spice up your life!
- Stir in oats. Make sure they’re fully combined.
- Toss in the blueberries or cranberries if you’re feeling fancy.
- Form cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for about 2 tablespoons per cookie.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. The edges should be golden brown.
- Let them cool on a rack. Resist the temptation… for a minute.
So, these breakfast cookies come together quickly. Plus, they taste fantastic! Enjoy munching on them while still in your pajamas.
Variations Of Breakfast Cookies
Breakfast cookies can be fun and healthy. They’re versatile, too. You can switch up the ingredients for different flavors and textures. Here are a few tasty variations.
Vegan Options
For a vegan treat, I love 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies. They need rolled oats, overripe bananas, and peanut butter. Yup, that’s it! Mix those three together and you’ve got a guilt-free breakfast cookie. If you’re not a banana fan, swap that out for almond or sunflower seed butter. Easy, right?
Conclusion
So there you have it folks breakfast cookies that won’t judge you for eating dessert first thing in the morning. Who knew I could be so productive before my first cup of coffee?
With just a few simple ingredients I’ve managed to turn the classic cookie into a breakfast powerhouse. I mean if I can whip these up in ten minutes and still have time to procrastinate on my to-do list it’s a win-win.
So grab those oats bananas and whatever nut butter you have lurking in the back of your pantry. Get ready to treat yourself to a cookie that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Now if only I could find a way to make coffee-flavored cookies I’d be living the dream!
I’m Sara Barker, a content creator and brand strategist with nearly 20 years in hospitality. Known as “The Menu Doctor,” I specialize in crafting menus and brand stories for restaurants ranging from fast-casual to fine dining